Press releases
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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49 rows where chamber = "House", state = "VT" and year = 2026 sorted by date descending
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| https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=819 | Vermont Congressional Delegation Announces Over $33.2 Million in Long-Awaited FEMA Funding to Support Flood Buyouts, Hazard Mitigation Across Vermont | 2026-09-14 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | VT | Becca Balint | B001318 | balint.house.gov | balint | https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | BURLINGTON, VT – The Vermont Congressional Delegation, U.S. Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL), U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), today announced the delivery of over $33.2 million in new federal funding, administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to support flood recovery and resiliency in Vermont. This funding includes more than $27.6 million to support the buyout of at least 90 homes across Vermont that are located within a floodplain, at risk of landslide, or sustained irreparable damage from flooding in 2023 and 2024. Families who applied for buyouts will receive compensation for their property from the state of Vermont. The state will then demolish the structure and maintain the land as open green space in perpetuity. The additional $5.6 million in funding will support costs associated with the administration of Vermont’s Emergency Management and future hazard mitigation plans. “Over the last several years, our office has worked with Vermonters who were uprooted from their homes and left to navigate the complicated FEMA grant-making process while waiting far too long for a path forward,” said Rep. Balint. “For many families, this funding will bring welcome—though bittersweet—closure after years of uncertainty. It will also provide real economic relief and give communities much needed resources to become more resilient to future flooding. I’m grateful to everyone who kept pushing to get these dollars out the door, and I’ll keep fighting to make sure Vermont gets the federal support it needs to recover and rebuild.” “For too many Vermonters, our state’s recent floods are painful memories of homes washed away, livelihoods destroyed, roads and bridges decimated, and sadly, lives lost. There is no good reason that Vermonters should have to wait years to receive the help they need to recover and rebuild when disasters strike. Volunteers, town work crews, rescue teams, state and local employees and fellow Vermonters have done extraordinary work over… | 1 | 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z | 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z |
| https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=817 | Rep. Balint Introduces Bill to Strengthen Coordination Between 988 and 911 Call Centers | 2026-09-03 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | VT | Becca Balint | B001318 | balint.house.gov | balint | https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Becca Balint (VT-AL), a member of Congress’s bipartisan Mental Health Caucus, and Doris Matsui (CA-7), a member of the House Energy & Commerce Committee, today introduced the 988 and 911 Integration Act. This bill, which is part of the larger, bipartisan 988 Implementation Act being introduced today by Reps. Doris Matsui (CA-7) and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1) would establish a panel, jointly convened by the Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Justice, to make recommendations on integrating 988 and 911 services. The panel would include representatives from each segment of the crisis care response network including behavioral health professionals, law enforcement officers, and crisis response professionals, and would update its recommendations every five years. In addition to Reps. Balint and Matsui, the 988 and 911 Integration Act is cosponsored by Reps. Lori Trahan (MA-3), Adam Smith (WA-9), Jennifer McClellan (VA-4), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), and Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL). The panel established by the 988 and 911 Integration Act would: Provide recommendations on technical and operational integration of the 988 and 911 call lines and appropriate response; Establish training, staffing, and protocol requirements to ensure that 988 and 911 dispatch personnel respond appropriately to callers in crisis; Ensure appropriate care is provided to members of particularly vulnerable communities, including Native Americans, veterans and service members; and, Develop data collection and reporting standards to monitor outcomes for individuals who contact 911 and 988 in mental health crisis. "Especially during Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, I’m incredibly proud to be introducing the 988 and 911 Integration Act,” said Rep. Balint, a member of the bipartisan Mental Health Caucus. “One of my top priorities in Congress is reducing stigma and taking real action to improve access to mental healthcare. We know that mental health affects not just individuals, but… | 1 | 2026-09-04T09:19:37Z | 2026-09-04T09:20:58Z |
| https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=807 | Vermont Congressional Delegation Calls on USPS to Address Persistent Shortfalls in Serving Vermonters | 2026-08-21 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | House | VT | Becca Balint | B001318 | balint.house.gov | balint | https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | Read and download the Delegation’s full letter to USPS Postmaster General Steiner. BURLINGTON, VT – The Vermont Congressional Delegation, U.S. Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL), U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), urged the Postmaster General of the United States Postal Service (USPS) to address massive shortfalls in serving Vermonters, who have for years experienced postal delivery delays and egregious service issues. In their letter to USPS Postmaster General David Steiner, who was appointed in 2025, the Delegation outlined how many Vermonters have dealt with reduced deliveries and deteriorating service for several years, following adoption of the Trump Administration’s flawed Delivering for America Plan. The Delegation emphasized that the significant Postal Service issues facing Vermonters stem from decisions made by USPS leadership: “As you know, the Postal Service’s Delivering for America ten-year plan was launched in 2021, supposedly to modernize and support the financial self-sustainability of the postal network. Five years into this plan, mail delivery service in Vermont is at an all-time low, staffing shortages in the state are pervasive, and USPS has not improved its financial outlook.” “In the first half of 2026 alone, our offices have received over 2,000 constituent complaints about the USPS mail service. Many of our constituents currently receive just one or two mail deliveries per week. Some residential areas have received zero mail deliveries over consecutive weeks. Vermonters living in South Burlington and the greater Chittenden County region have experienced particularly egregious service issues,” the Delegation continued. “These service failures have a significant impact on Vermonters: tax documents and bills are received after they are due, holiday cards come after the holiday season, and most critically, residents are forced to go without medical care when their prescriptions are not received on time. The Delegation also underscored that inconsisten… | 1 | 2026-08-22T05:24:59Z | 2026-08-22T05:26:16Z |
| https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=780 | Balint, Warren, Banks, and Cline File Bipartisan, Bicameral Resolution Directing the FTC to Investigate Corporate Roll-ups of Firetruck Manufacturers | 2026-07-21 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | House | VT | Becca Balint | B001318 | balint.house.gov | balint | https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | Resolution (PDF) | One Pager (PDF) WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Becca Balint (D-Vt.) and Ben Cline (R-Va.), along with Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Jim Banks (R-Ind.), filed a bipartisan, bicameral resolution directing the FTC to investigate serial acquisitions of firetruck manufacturers. Following two decades of consolidation by private equity firms and larger manufacturers, a vast majority of the fire truck manufacturing industry is now controlled by just three companies. Since then: Prices have skyrocketed. Fire truck prices have doubled over the last decade, far outpacing inflation for heavy-duty truck manufacturing over that time period. Manufacturers have also exploited their market power to implement “floating” prices, increasing the final price of a fire truck after it goes into production. Manufacturing plants have shuttered. Dominant fire truck manufacturers have restricted supply by closing their own manufacturing facilities, even though demand for fire trucks has increased in recent years. Delivery backlogs are growing. Since 2019, the lead times for fire truck delivery have nearly tripled, and fire departments are now facing delivery delays of up to five years. Working conditions are unsafe. Higher prices and longer delivery times for fire trucks have prevented fire departments from replacing aging trucks, depriving fire fighters of the essential equipment required to work safely and effectively. Rampant consolidation in the fire truck manufacturing industry is undermining public safety, squeezing fire departments’ budgets, and forcing taxpayers to bear the consequences. TheFederal Trade Commission Act authorizes Congress, through a joint resolution passed by the Senate and House of Representatives, to direct the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to investigate and report the facts relating to any alleged violations of antitrust law. However, Congress has not used this authority to order an FTC investigation since the Great Depression era. This bipartisan joint reso… | 1 | 2026-07-22T07:34:13Z | 2026-07-22T07:35:16Z |
| https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=781 | Reps. Balint, Velázquez Introduce Online Sellers Bill of Rights to Protect Small Businesses from Corporate Gatekeepers | 2026-07-21 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | House | VT | Becca Balint | B001318 | balint.house.gov | balint | https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Becca Balint (VT-AL), Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus Ending Corporate Greed Task Force, and Nydia Velázquez (NY-7), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Small Business, today introduced the Online Sellers Bill of Rights, legislation to protect independent online sellers from arbitrary and opaque actions by dominant online marketplaces, like Amazon and Walmart. Millions of Americans rely on platforms like Amazon and Walmart to reach customers, but those same platforms can suspend sellers, freeze inventory, withhold earnings, or bury products in search results with little warning, explanation, or opportunity to appeal. The Online Sellers Bill of Rights establishes basic due process and transparency requirements to help level the playing field between independent businesses and the dominant corporations that control online commerce. "No corporation should have the power to destroy someone's livelihood with the click of a button," said Rep. Balint. "Right now, a handful of massive online retailers can suspend sellers, freeze their inventory, and cut off their income with little explanation and virtually no accountability. I'm proud to partner with Ranking Member Velázquez to introduce the Online Sellers Bill of Rights to give small businesses in Vermont and across the country the transparency, due process, and fair chance to compete that they deserve." “For too long, small businesses have suffered as large e-commerce platforms block or limit their products with little to no explanation,” said Rep. Velázquez. “Years of work to establish a small business should not be lost because of arbitrary algorithm changes or unfounded product investigations while online platforms like Amazon face no consequences.” “The Online Sellers Bill of Rights works to stop these injustices by demanding greater transparency and giving merchants a meaningful opportunity to address potential issues, rather than leaving them blindsided,” Rep. Velázquez continued. “As Ranking Member … | 1 | 2026-07-22T07:34:13Z | 2026-07-22T07:35:16Z |
| https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=779 | Rep. Balint Cosponsors Legislation to Break Up Meatpacking Monopolies, Drive Down Grocery Costs | 2026-07-20 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | House | VT | Becca Balint | B001318 | balint.house.gov | balint | https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL), founding member of the Monopoly Busters Caucus and member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, cosponsored legislation introduced by Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), and Pat Ryan (NY-18), co-chairs of the Monopoly Busters Caucus, to break up dominant meatpacking monopolies, rein in foreign-controlled corporate giants, and end unfair pricing practices that raise costs for American families and box out local farmers and ranchers. The legislation, the Family Grocery and Farmer Relief Act, is bicameral, introduced in the Senate by Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY). “Families are paying more at the grocery store while giant corporations rake in record profits and squeeze the farmers and ranchers who feed our country,” said Rep. Balint. "A handful of meatpacking giants shouldn’t be able to control our food supply and drive up costs for working people. We need to break up these monopolies, restore competition, and build a food system that works for our families and our independent farmers.” “Massive corporations are driving up prices, making it unaffordable for working people to put food on the table,” said Rep. Jayapal. “It is a failure of our government to have allowed these corporate interests to swallow up the market, raising costs and putting hundreds of thousands of family farms out of business in the process. This bill is a critical step to level the playing field — to give independent ranchers and farmers a fair shot while ultimately lowering grocery bills for American families.” “Meatpacking monopolies are crushing hard-working small farmers, ranchers, and business owners—and are jacking up food prices for all of us,” said Congressman Deluzio. “In the richest country in the history of the world that likes our meat, we can’t let it become a luxury good. Let’s pass this bill to break up these monopolies and bring some relief to everyone they’re squeezing at the grocery store right now.” “Every time we walk into the g… | 1 | 2026-07-21T07:32:02Z | 2026-07-21T07:33:33Z |
| https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=776 | Balint, Nearly 200 House Democrats Demand Independent Investigations into Killings of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, Johan Sebastian Guerrero | 2026-07-17 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | House | VT | Becca Balint | B001318 | balint.house.gov | balint | https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL) joined Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Immigration, Integrity, Security, and Enforcement, Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, and Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, and nearly 200 colleagues in calling for independent investigations into Lorenzo Salgado Araujo and Johan Sebastian Guerrero’s deaths and demanding that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) halt removal proceedings against the witnesses. “Both of these incidents have created enormous fear and outrage in the community, and raise serious questions about the safety of community members, regardless of immigration status,” wrote the Members. “Far too many people, Americans and noncitizens alike, are dead as a result of DHS’s reckless actions. There must be accountability and independent investigations.” On July 7th, ICE agents shot and killed Mr. Salgado Araujo, a father of three U.S. citizens who had resided in the country for 35 years. He was reportedly not ICE’s target in their operation, and despite ICE’s claims that Mr. Salgado Araujo “weaponized his vehicle,” no evidence to substantiate that claim has been presented, and it is disputed by witnesses in the vehicle. On July 13th, ICE agents shot and killed Mr. Guerrero, a father who also was reportedly not the target of enforcement actions. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claims to have shot him in concern for “public safety” after he “attempted to flee.” The agency does not allege that at any point officers feared for their safety. Video of this killing shows ICE officers handcuffing Mr. Guerrero even after he had been shot in the head. DHS agents, including ICE agents, have shot at least 21 people just since the start of President Donald Trump’s second term. Six of these shootings have been fatal, resulting in the death of U.S. citizens and individu… | 1 | 2026-07-18T06:58:50Z | 2026-07-18T07:31:57Z |
| https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=777 | Balint, Warren Lead Lawmakers in Calling for Antitrust Regulators to Closely Scrutinize Fox Takeover of Roku, Ensure Review is Free from Political Favoritism | 2026-07-17 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | House | VT | Becca Balint | B001318 | balint.house.gov | balint | https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | Text of Letter (PDF) WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL), a member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Administrative State, Regulatory Reform, and Antitrust, and U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, wrote to Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward, who oversees the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division, urging the agency to “closely scrutinize” Fox Corporation’s (Fox) proposed $22 billion takeover of Roku, Inc. (Roku) and commit to reviewing the merger “free from political interference and in an impartial fashion.” “We are concerned that, given the Department of Justice’s recent rubber-stamping of deals that may violate antitrust law – and in particular, your apparent role interfering in nonpartisan antitrust enforcement — the (DOJ) may not give this transaction the close review it deserves,” wrote the lawmakers. Representatives Jerold Nadler (D-N.Y.), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Administrative State, Regulatory Reform, and Antitrust; Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.); Chuy Garcia (D-Ill.); Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.); Summer Lee (D-Pa.); and Pat Ryan (D-N.Y.) also joined in signing the letter. In recent months, senior DOJ leadership, including Associate Attorney General Woodward, and politically connected lobbyists reportedly intervening in antitrust enforcement actions such as the Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE)-Juniper Networks merger settlement, which led to the firing of then-Antitrust Division senior official Roger Alford and another deputy after they objected to the interference. If approved, the Fox-Roku merger would combine the country’s two largest free, ad-supported streaming television services. The result would be greater control by Fox-Roku over how viewers watch TV, the device they use to watch, and what programs they watch, meaning fewer choices for viewers and likely highercosts. The entertainment and streaming industries have seen rapid consolidation in t… | 1 | 2026-07-18T06:58:50Z | 2026-07-18T07:31:57Z |
| https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=775 | Rep. Balint Introduces Amendment to Republican Budget Resolution to Stop Funding for Unauthorized War in Iran | 2026-07-16 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | House | VT | Becca Balint | B001318 | balint.house.gov | balint | https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL) introduced an amendment during the House Budget Committee's markup of the Republican budget resolution to strike $73 billion in funding for President Trump's unauthorized war in Iran. Balint's amendment would have prohibited funding for military action that has not been explicitly authorized by Congress, reaffirming Congress's constitutional authority to declare war and rejecting what she called another Republican "blank check" for President Trump's military escalation. "A colleague on the other side earlier in this hearing said this was all a game...It's not a game at all. It's deadly serious," said Rep. Balint during the committee markup. "Americans are disgusted when we think of the work that we do here as a game. And it's truly astounding that we're here, again, considering a highly partisan budget resolution for a third Republican reconciliation bill that increases costs and does nothing to help the people back home. So, let's level set. What are we doing here? Why are we here today? This is about waging war, a war that we were told for the last five months isn't really a war." Balint criticized Republicans for rushing the budget resolution through committee with little transparency while proposing tens of billions of dollars in additional military spending without identifying how it would be paid for. "My [Republican] colleagues constantly howl that the deficit is one of the nation's greatest challenges, yet this resolution contains no substantive ideas for how to pay for this massive increase in spending,” Balint said. “Meanwhile, we hear constantly that we can't possibly afford healthcare or food for Americans...and yet, when it comes to approving tens of billions of dollars in additional Pentagon spending, they’re a rubber stamp...there's always time for more war." Balint noted that Congress had already passed a bipartisan War Powers Resolution directing the President to end U.S. military involvement in Iran absent explicit congressi… | 1 | 2026-07-17T07:15:58Z | 2026-07-17T07:17:05Z |
| https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=774 | 25 Members of Congress Release Joint Statement on Massie Amendment to Republican Foreign Aid Budget Bill | 2026-07-15 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | House | VT | Becca Balint | B001318 | balint.house.gov | balint | https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | WASHINGTON—Today, 25 Members of Congress, including Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL) and led by Congressman Jim McGovern, Co-Chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission and Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee, released the following statement in advance of voting yes on Amendment #8, which would halt certain U.S. funding to Israel, to the National Security, Department of State and Related Programs Appropriations Act: “As Members of Congress, it is our duty to ensure that our constituents’ hard-earned money is used in a way that advances America’s interests and values. For this reason, we do not support providing an additional $3.3 billion of American taxpayer dollars to be used for Israeli military operations in Gaza and Lebanon—operations which have killed tens of thousands of civilians, led to the indiscriminate destruction of civilian infrastructure, and caused severe and ongoing humanitarian catastrophes. These are just the latest in a long string of human rights violations inflicted on Palestinian civilians. For nearly six decades, Israeli security forces and military authorities have enforced the occupation of the Palestinian territories, including through restrictions on freedom of movement, arbitrary detention, torture, and extrajudicial killings. It is clear that existing human rights conditions on the use of American security assistance have not been meaningfully enforced. Enough is enough. “Palestinians and Israelis alike deserve peace, freedom, security, stability, and self-determination. Those aims will only be achieved when their inherent dignity and inalienable rights are at the center of U.S. policy in the region. Diplomacy is the answer, and as long as America provides constant funding for more war, peace will always remain out of reach. “Our vote should not be interpreted as opposition to initiatives such as the Nita M. Lowey Middle East Partnership for Peace Act programs or others that foster people-to-people engagement, strengthen civil society, and advance the long-term pros… | 1 | 2026-07-16T07:21:44Z | 2026-07-16T07:23:13Z |
| https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=770 | Balint, Welch, Sanders Lead Reintroduction of Bill to Help Protect Vermont Farmland from Flooding | 2026-07-10 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | House | VT | Becca Balint | B001318 | balint.house.gov | balint | https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Becca Balint (D-VT-AL), U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, and U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), reintroduced the Building Up Farmland Frontiers for Ecological Resilience (BUFFER) Act. This bicameral legislation would ensure all states can access the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) funding to implement buffer zones, agricultural tools used by farmers to protect farmland from flooding, erosion, and water pollution. “As climate change brings more frequent and severe extreme weather events, it’s critical that farmers in Vermont and across the country have the tools they need to protect their land and livelihoods,” said Rep. Balint. “Ahead of the anniversary of the catastrophic 2023 and 2024 floods, I’m proud to be reintroducing the BUFFER Act alongside our Senators. Our delegation stands united in support of Vermonters as folks continue to rebuild.” “Our farmers deserve access to the tools and resources they need to fight climate change and make farmland more flood resilient. An essential part of that has to be cutting through red tape that forces Vermont farmers to jump through more hoops to receive compensation for their work than farmers in other states,” said Senator Welch. “I’m proud to partner with Senator Sanders and Rep. Balint on this legislation to help Vermont farmers better mitigate flooding risk and protect our state’s farmland from natural disasters.” “Vermont farmers are still recovering from multiple years of flooding. They want to ensure their fields are better protected from future storms, especially in the face of climate change. This important legislation will cut through bureaucracy and ensure our farmers are compensated for their work to improve our state’s water quality and protect their land from the kind of damage we saw over the past few years,” said Senator Sanders. The delegation first introduced the legisla… | 1 | 2026-07-12T07:28:31Z | 2026-07-12T07:30:18Z |
| https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=757 | Rep. Balint Reintroduces Sweeping Legislation to Take on the Affordable Housing Crisis Nationwide | 2026-07-01 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | House | VT | Becca Balint | B001318 | balint.house.gov | balint | https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | More photos from the announcement event in Burlington can be found here. Rep. Balint’s remarks at the event can be viewed here. WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) has re-introduced the Community Housing Act, her sweeping legislation to address our nation’s housing crisis. The legislation would invest $500 billion in federal programs, fund the construction of affordable housing, provide new financing to build affordable units, center inclusive zoning and land use, and provide more pathways to homeownership. The ambitious package embraces perpetually affordable housing through community land trusts and would empower nonprofits across the country to help get people into homes that are affordable and stay affordable. On June 15, Rep. Balint announced the reintroduction of the Community Housing Act at an event in Burlington. She was joined by local Vermont housing advocates at the event. Rep. Balint also introduced and led this legislation in the 118th Congress. “Today, I’m proud to have reintroduced my Community Housing Act,” said Rep. Balint. “Confronting our affordable housing crisis is one of my top priorities in Congress because it’s a top priority for Vermonters. This sweeping legislation is about creative solutions, major investments, and concrete actions that we can take to address this crisis and make a real difference in people’s lives. I’m grateful for all the partners who’ve played a role in making this legislation a reality and I look forward to working with my colleagues to get shovels in the ground, increase the supply of housing, and lower costs for folks across the country. Let’s get this bill done.” According to the Vermont Housing Needs Assessment, half of all Vermont renters are cost-burdened, and one in four pay more than 50% of their income on housing costs. Vermont also has a rental vacancy rate of 3%, which is one of the lowest in the country. In Chittenden County, it’sbeen estimated to be just 1%. Additionally, Vermont has the second-highest homelessness rate per capita in the c… | 1 | 2026-07-02T06:20:02Z | 2026-07-02T06:21:32Z |
| https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=755 | Rep. Balint Leads 75 Colleagues in Condemning Israeli Military Engagement in Lebanon, Destruction of Civilian Homes and Infrastructure | 2026-06-29 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | House | VT | Becca Balint | B001318 | balint.house.gov | balint | https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL) today led 75 of her colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressing concern about the Israeli military’s operations in southern Lebanon. Since the temporary cessation of hostilities in Lebanon was announced on April 16, 2026, both Israeli forces and Hezbollah have continued military operations in violation of the ceasefire. As the Trump administration implements the memorandum of understanding with Iran, the letter urges the State Department to take all possible steps in bringing a swift end to the wars in Iran and Lebanon. The Members called attention to reports of the Israeli military’s use of U.S.-origin weapons and equipment in the destruction of civilian homes and infrastructure. Hundreds of civilians have died from these attacks and more than one million people, approximately 20 percent of Lebanon’s population, have been forced from their homes. “Every government has a right and a responsibility to protect its citizens, and Israel has a right to defend itself,” the Members wrote. “However, this does not justify unrestrained Israeli military operations, especially those that violate the current ceasefire, destroy civilian infrastructure, and lead to the death of hundreds of civilians. All sides must fully abide by the ceasefire agreement.” “We are troubled by the Israeli military’s practice of mass demolitions of civilian infrastructure in southern Lebanon and targeting practices that kill Lebanese civilians,” the Members continued. “After the Israeli military invaded southern Lebanon and began an occupation of the territory, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced plans to raze all homes in southern border villages, ‘following the Rafah and Beit Hanounmodel in Gaza,’ a reference to the Israeli military’s systematic destruction of homes and civilian infrastructure in Gaza. Since then, reporting and satellite imagery have confirmed widespread demolitions of civilian homes, buildings, and religious sites in southe… | 1 | 2026-06-30T06:29:10Z | 2026-06-30T06:30:42Z |
| https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=756 | Rep. Balint Says Congress Must Do More to Protect Kids Online, Hold Big Tech Accountable | 2026-06-29 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | House | VT | Becca Balint | B001318 | balint.house.gov | balint | https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL) today released the following statement after voting against the Kids Internet and Digital Safety Act, saying the bill falls short of meaningfully addressing the mental health harms fueled by Big Tech: “As a parent and former teacher, I know firsthand how deeply families worry about the impact social media is having on their kids. The evidence is overwhelming: Big Tech has built products designed to keep children scrolling, clicking, and coming back – turning record profits while fueling a youth mental health crisis marked by rising rates of anxiety, depression, eating disorders, suicide, and other mental health challenges. “This bill doesn't do nearly enough to hold Big Tech accountable. If Congress is serious about protecting kids online, we need legislation with real, enforceable consequences for companies that exploit children's attention and put their health at risk. I've introduced bipartisan legislation focused on the mental health impacts of social media, and I'll continue fighting for comprehensive legislation that puts children's well-being ahead of corporate profits.” Rep. Balint has long advocated for stronger protections for children online. She is the Democratic lead of the bipartisan Protecting Young Minds Online Act, which would establish a national strategy to study and address the effects of social media and emerging technologies on youth mental health. ### | 1 | 2026-06-30T06:29:10Z | 2026-06-30T06:30:42Z |
| https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=749 | Rep. Balint Statement on Trump Administration Efforts to Violate Mohsen Mahdawi’s Constitutional Rights | 2026-06-22 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | House | VT | Becca Balint | B001318 | balint.house.gov | balint | https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL), vice ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee, today released the following statement on the Trump administration’s continued efforts to deport Mohsen Mahdawi in direct violation of his First Amendment rights. Mohsen Mahdawi is a Vermonter, a student activist at Columbia University, and a legal permanent resident. “What the Trump administration is trying to do here is yet another step in their campaign to silence dissent in our country. Mohsen Mahdawi is a lawful permanent resident who was exercising his Constitutional rights. It’s deeply distressing that the administration is going to such lengths to try to silence him and force him out of the country. “I want to be crystal clear to the American people: if Trump and his enablers get away with infringing on anyone’s First Amendment rights, they can come for any of our First Amendment rights. That’s why I was so eager to introduce the bicameral Land of the Free Act, which would guarantee all people within our borders the right to due process and freedom of speech. “I will continue to stand with Mohsen throughout this absurd legal saga.” Rep. Balint has consistently defended Mohsen Mahdawi since his initial April 2025 arrest in Colchester during a scheduled citizenship interview. Shortly after, Rep. Balint led a rally at the State Department to demand Mohsen’s release and highlight the unjust abductions across the country. Later in the month, in response to his arrest, Rep. Balint and 67 other House Democrats demanded the legal basis for his arrest from Secretaries Rubio and Noem and received no response. In August 2025, Rep. Balint introduced the Land of the Free Act alongside Rep Deborah Ross (NC-02). The bill would repeal Section 237(a)(4)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which grants the U.S. Secretary of State the power to deport visa-holders and legal permanent residents whose presence in the United States would have “potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences for t… | 1 | 2026-06-23T06:27:52Z | 2026-06-23T06:29:20Z |
| https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=750 | Rep. Balint Joins SEEC Institute Roundtable on Rural Development in Burlington | 2026-06-17 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | House | VT | Becca Balint | B001318 | balint.house.gov | balint | https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | BURLINGTON, VT — U.S. Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL) yesterday joined the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC) Institute for a roundtable on rural development. This comes as part of SEEC’s “Thriving Economy Project” and focused specifically on rural economies in Vermont and across the nation. Rep. Balint was joined on the panel by issue experts from across the Green Mountain State and nation and the panel was facilitated by MacKenzie Bills, the Founder and CEO of MacKenzie Bills Strategies, LLC, SEEC Policy Consultant, and Reimagining Rural Assistance Network (RRAN) Policy Consultant. The panelists’ discussion was centered on four topic areas: Federal and State rural development programs and policies; Capacity building and technical assistance; Outdoor recreation and tourism; and Blue Sky: The Future of Rural and Tribal Development. “Vermont has long understood that protecting our natural resources and growing our economy go hand in hand,” said Rep. Balint. “Our forests, farms, trails, and waterways support jobs, attract visitors, and sustain communities across the state. As we think about the future of rural America, we should be investing in the people, places, and natural resources that make rural communities strong. I’m grateful to SEEC Institute for bringing together leaders from across Vermont to share ideas and help chart a path forward.” "The Growing Rural and Tribal Economies chapter of the Thriving Economy Project reflects something we hear from rural and Tribal leaders across the country: the solutions are already out there; they just need the policy support to scale,” said Max Frankel, Executive Director of the SEEC Institute. “Convenings like this and our project are focused on identifying those policies and getting them in front of policymakers like Representatives Balint and Stansbury who can act on them.” “Convening leaders from around Vermont to better understand our communities is the essential first step to our work,” said Tricia Coates, Director of the University of… | 1 | 2026-06-23T06:27:52Z | 2026-06-23T06:29:20Z |
| https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=738 | Rep. Balint Statement on Voting YES on Lebanon War Powers Resolution | 2026-06-04 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | House | VT | Becca Balint | B001318 | balint.house.gov | balint | https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL) today released the following statement after voting in favor of a War Powers Resolution to cease U.S. involvement in Netanyahu’s deadly war in Lebanon. “Americans don’t want their taxpayer dollars to fuel Netanyahu’s attacks in Lebanon that have killed hundreds of civilians and displaced over a million people, just as they do not want to fund Trump’s war of choice in Iran. Both Netanyahu and Trump have continued to double down on chaos and conflict, leaving the American people to foot the bill at a time when they can’t even afford the basics—rent, groceries, prescriptions, or gas. Congress must draw the line.” Rep. Balint has consistently warned that continued spending on overseas conflicts comes at the expense of investments Americans need here at home, including lowering costs, expanding affordable housing, strengthening health care, and supporting working families. ### | 1 | 2026-06-05T06:35:23Z | 2026-06-05T06:36:42Z |
| https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=737 | Rep. Balint Statement on House Passage of War Powers Resolution to End War in Iran | 2026-06-03 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | House | VT | Becca Balint | B001318 | balint.house.gov | balint | https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL) today released the following statement after the House of Representatives voted 215–208 to pass a War Powers Resolution directing the President to end U.S. military involvement in Iran without explicit authorization from Congress. Four Republicans joined Democrats in the vote, marking a rare bipartisan rebuke of the administration. “When I introduced a War Powers Resolution in April, it was because Congress cannot continue to sit on the sidelines while our country is dragged into an unauthorized war. Today’s vote is a long-overdue step toward reasserting our constitutional authority and ending a conflict that has already cost American taxpayers tens of billions of dollars. “The President has never explained the war and never received authorization from Congress, yet our service members are being put in danger and families across the country are bearing the cost of higher gas prices, rising costs of living, and the diversion of critical resources away from urgent domestic needs. That is unacceptable. While this resolution does not immediately end military operations, it makes clear that Congress will not be sidelined. The Senate must now act to bring our troops home and stop this madness.” Rep. Balint originally introduced her War Powers Resolution on April 30, 2026, as part of a coordinated effort with members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus to force Congress to vote on ending U.S. military involvement in Iran and reassert its constitutional war powers authority. Rep. Balint has been vocal in her opposition to the war since its beginning, including when she slammed Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought in a Budget Committee hearing for the President’s request of $350 billion of additional funding for the war – the same cost of extending the Affordable Care Act tax credits for another ten years. ### | 1 | 2026-06-05T06:35:23Z | 2026-06-05T06:36:42Z |
| https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=733 | Rep. Becca Balint Votes to Advance Bipartisan Housing Package to Address Affordability Crisis | 2026-05-21 | 2026 | 2026-05 | Democrat | House | VT | Becca Balint | B001318 | balint.house.gov | balint | https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL), a consistent and outspoken advocate for building affordable housing, voted in favor of H. Res. 1299, amended legislation to strengthen and advance the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act (H.R. 6644), a comprehensive package to expand housing supply, improve affordability, and strengthen protections for renters and homeowners. “For so many Vermonters, renting or owning a home is simply unaffordable right now. That’s why expanding access to affordable housing for Vermonters is one of my top priorities in Congress and I’m committed to leading on solutions that meet the scale of this crisis,” said Rep. Balint. “This bill strengthens housing supply and affordability, but our work cannot stop here—I will keep pushing for bold change for working families in our state and across the country.” The United States is currently facing a severe housing shortage, with an estimated 4.7 million home gap nationwide. Rising housing costs have placed increasing pressure on families, with millions of renters and homeowners spending a significant portion of their income on housing and a growing number at risk of foreclosure or displacement. H. Res. 1299 takes a comprehensive approach to addressing these challenges by: Expanding financing and support for new housing development, including multifamily, manufactured, and rural housing; Removing barriers that slow down housing construction and limit supply; Strengthening protections for renters, including the creation of a renter resource center and dispute hotline; Supporting community financial institutions that play a key role in financing housing and local development; Encouraging innovative housing solutions, including modular construction; and, Improving federal programs aimed at reducing homelessness. The legislation also includes provisions to limit excessive corporate ownership of single-family homes while ensuring continued housing construction and avoiding policies that could lead to widespread evict… | 1 | 2026-05-22T06:27:39Z | 2026-05-22T06:29:18Z |
| https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=741 | Balint, Dean, Salazar, Blackburn, Coons, Colleagues Reintroduce Bill to Protect Americans from AI Deepfakes | 2026-05-20 | 2026 | 2026-05 | Democrat | House | VT | Becca Balint | B001318 | balint.house.gov | balint | https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Becca Balint (VT-AL), Madeleine Dean (D-PA-04), and María Elvira Salazar (R-FL-27) reintroduced a bipartisan, bicameral bill to federally protect individuals from AI-generated deepfakes. The Support the Nurture Originals, Foster Art, and Keep Entertainment Safe (NO FAKES) Act clearly defines a person’s right to control their voice and likeness. The NO FAKES Act would address the rampant spread of unauthorized AI-generated deepfakes without stymieing innovation or censoring free speech. "Artists, creators, and anyone who uses the internet must have the basic right to control digital replicas of their own voice and image. AI is moving fast, and we need to make sure these guardrails are in place now, not later,” said Rep. Balint. "The NO FAKES Act is a commonsense, bipartisan, and essential bill. I am proud to join Representatives Dean and Salazar in introducing this legislation to protect Americans' right to control their own identity online.” “The use of AI is only growing, and Congress must catch up with common sense, common ground regulations,” Rep. Dean said. “By granting every person a clear, federal right to control digital replicas of their own voice and likeness, the NO FAKES Act will empower victims of deep fakes; defend against sexually explicit deepfakes; and safeguard human creativity and artistic expression. We must support technological innovation while preserving the privacy, safety, and dignity of all Americans.” “In this new era of AI, bad actors are quickly and easily profiting from the creativity of others. Our laws must catch up,” said Rep. Salazar. “The NO FAKES Act is simple and sacred: you own your identity—not Big Tech, not scammers, not algorithms. Deepfakes are digital lies that ruin real lives, and it’s time to fight back.” “No one should have to worry about their likeness being stolen and used in a fake video without their consent,” said Rep. Morelle. “A.I. is moving fast, and the harm is already real, from explicit deepfakes to scams, fraud, a… | 1 | 2026-06-11T06:38:38Z | 2026-06-27T22:21:02Z |
| https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=730 | Reps. Balint, Salinas Lead Lawmakers Demanding Answers from HHS on Reported Plan to “Deprescribe” Psychiatric Medications | 2026-05-19 | 2026 | 2026-05 | Democrat | House | VT | Becca Balint | B001318 | balint.house.gov | balint | https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Becca Balint (VT-AL) and Andrea Salinas (OR-06), led a group of 14 lawmakers in sending a letter to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), expressing opposition to the agency’s reported plans to promote the “deprescribing” of psychiatric medications. The lawmakers warn that Secretary Kennedy’s campaign to “deprescribe” psychiatric medications undermines access to evidence-based mental health care for patients who rely on psychiatric medications. They urge the administration to ensure that any guidance remains grounded in science and centered on patient safety. “Secretary Kennedy’s attacks on psychiatric medications are dangerous and wrong," said Rep. Balint. "Mental health care is health care. People deserve access to treatment that’s grounded in science and guided by their doctors - not by the Secretary’s personal opinions, politics, stigma, or misinformation.” “The decision for a patient to stop taking an SSRI should be between the patient and their doctor. End of story,” said Rep. Salinas, Co-Chair of the Congressional Mental Health Caucus. “SSRIs and other psychiatric medications are life-sustaining care for millions of Americans, and any federal guidance on mental health treatment must be rooted in science, not stigma, ideology, or one man’s personal experience. Secretary Kennedy’s approach risks confusing patients, undermining trust in public health, and disrupting care for people who need support. HHS must clarify its plans, protect access to evidence-based treatment, and ensure these deeply personal decisions remain between patients and their doctors.” “We write with serious concern and vehement opposition to your stated intent to promote ‘deprescribing’ of psychiatric medications to reduce what you have mischaracterized as an overuse of antidepressants,” the letter states. They emphasized that psychiatric medications, like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), including Prozac, Zoloft, and Lexapro… | 1 | 2026-05-20T06:27:31Z | 2026-05-20T06:28:54Z |
| https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=728 | Vermont Congressional Delegation Announces Over $20 Million in FEMA Funding to Help Vermont Rebuild and Recover from 2023 Floods | 2026-05-13 | 2026 | 2026-05 | Democrat | House | VT | Becca Balint | B001318 | balint.house.gov | balint | https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Vermont Congressional Delegation, U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and U.S. Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL), today announced the delivery of $20.83 million in federal funding, administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to support the Vermont Agency for Transportation (VTrans) and the City of Montpelier to repair damage caused by severe storms, flooding, and washouts in July 2023. The federal funding will deliver nearly $12 million in long-overdue funding to support permanent repairs to Montpelier’s City Hall, Fire Department, Police Department Buildings, and Fire Department Sidewalk and Ramp. VTrans will receive an additional $9 million to help rebuild portions of the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail and the Washington County railroad. “The 2023 floods were brutal, causing long-lasting damage for Vermonters and Vermont communities. This newly released federal funding, totaling more than $20 million, will help repair Montpelier’s hard-hit municipal buildings and state rail and trail infrastructure. Much of this funding was delayed by FEMA for years—it never should have taken so long to get to Montpelier, and is a glaring example of how this agency needs reform. We will continue to fight for the FEMA funding our state needs, and will work with new leadership at the agency to deliver the assistance Vermonters need to fully rebuild and recover,” said the Vermont Delegation. The federal funding grants announced include: $11,782,017 to the City of Montpelier to repair severe damage the capital’s City Hall, Fire Department and fire station concrete ramp/sidewalk, and Police Department buildings as a result of severe flooding in July 2023. This funding will help restore these facilities back to their pre-disaster design, capacity, and function utilizing current codes and standards, including repairing damage to windows, interior and exterior doors, drywall, insulation, flooring, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, carpentry, stairs, and more. The… | 1 | 2026-05-14T06:11:37Z | 2026-05-14T06:12:56Z |
| https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=726 | Balint, Welch Host Roundtable on Election Integrity with Vermont Secretary of State Copeland Hanzas and Vermont Town Clerks | 2026-05-07 | 2026 | 2026-05 | Democrat | House | VT | Becca Balint | B001318 | balint.house.gov | balint | https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | SHELBURNE, VT – U.S. Representative Becca Balint (D-VT-AL), Vice Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, alongside U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Judiciary and Rules Committees, today hosted a roundtable discussion at the Shelburne Town Offices with Vermont Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas and Town Clerks to defend the integrity of free and fair elections in Vermont. “Our town clerks are the backbone of our democracy,” said Rep. Balint. “At a time when there’s widespread misinformation about elections, it’s especially important for Vermonters to hear directly from the people who administer our elections. They are dedicated public servants who do their work with care, transparency, and integrity. I appreciated the opportunity to hear from our state and local officials today about the safeguards already in place and the challenges they’re addressing. I know Vermonters want us all to keep working together to keep our elections free, fair, and secure.” “The SAVE America Act is a scam—it’s a bill in search of a problem. Representative Balint and I know it, and so do Vermont’s leaders, town clerks, and voters. In Vermont, our town clerks are on the front lines of protecting our democracy, and their hard work is essential to continuing our state’s proud history of high voter participation and secure elections. This bill would jeopardize that legacy by endangering the rights of thousands of eligible Vermonters to exercise their right to vote,” said Senator Welch. “President Trump and Republicans’ push for this bill—which would disenfranchise millions of voters right before the 2026 midterm elections—is no accident. We’re doing everything in our power to kill this bill, keep the integrity of Vermont’s elections strong, and ensure that every eligible voter can exercise their fundamental right to have a say in our democracy.” Town Clerks from Burlington, St. Johnsbury, Winooski, Brattleboro, Morrisville, and Shelburne attended to discuss the voting process and share the many ste… | 1 | 2026-05-08T05:46:43Z | 2026-05-08T05:48:09Z |
| https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=708 | Rep. Becca Balint Votes No on House Farm Bill, Citing Cuts to Nutrition Assistance and Missed Opportunities for Rural Housing and Working Families | 2026-05-05 | 2026 | 2026-05 | Democrat | House | VT | Becca Balint | B001318 | balint.house.gov | balint | https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — Last week, U.S. Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL) voted against a partisan Farm Bill that fails to meet the needs of rural communities and working families. Rep. Balint offered two amendments related to affordable housing and both were rejected by House Republicans. Every five years, Congress reauthorizes the Farm Bill, which impacts both farmers and families across the country. But the bill passed by House Republicans last week locks in cuts to SNAP that take food assistance away from millions, while failing to deliver meaningful relief for small and midsize farmers facing rising costs. It also cuts conservation funding and undermines investments in rural communities. “As written, this bill did not meet the moment,” said Rep. Balint. “It weakens food assistance at a time when too many families are already struggling with the cost of groceries, and it falls short in addressing the long-term challenges facing rural communities. We should be lowering costs, strengthening local agriculture, and expanding opportunity—not moving in the opposite direction.” Rep. Balint offered two amendments to the bill that would have advanced investments in rural housing stability and homeownership opportunities that are urgently needed in Vermont and across the country. Republicans rejected the amendments. Her proposals included: Balint Amendment 199 - which would have strengthened pathways to homeownership by investing in the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) homeownership program and the USDA Section 502 Direct Loan Program, helping renters and rural residents build long-term housing stability and equity. Balint Amendment 203 - which would have permanently authorized the USDA Multifamily Preservation and Revitalization (MPR) program to protect and preserve affordable rural rental housing, while also addressing the growing crisis of expiring USDA rental assistance contracts that put low-income residents at risk of displacement. Rep. Balint is commitment to advancing legislation that better supports farmers of… | 1 | 2026-05-06T06:05:57Z | 2026-05-06T06:07:49Z |
| https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=699 | Rep. Balint Introduces War Powers Resolution to End War of Choice in Iran | 2026-04-30 | 2026 | 2026-04 | Democrat | House | VT | Becca Balint | B001318 | balint.house.gov | balint | https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL) today introduced a War Powers Resolution to bring an end to Trump’s illegal war of choice in Iran that has cost American taxpayers an estimated $25 billion since its start. “Americans don’t even know why we are in this war, and neither does Congress,” said Rep. Balint. "This unauthorized war is yet another example of the Trump administration’s brazen and illegal attempts to consolidate power. At a time when Americans have told us everything is too expensive, it is shameful that we are wasting upwards of a billion dollars a day on this. We need it to end, to bring our servicemembers back to safety, and to get Congress and this administration to focus on lowering the cost of living here at home. Today, I introduced a War Powers Resolution which would direct the President to stop the use of U.S. Armed Forces in Iran unless explicitly authorized by a declaration of war from Congress. It is essential to hold every member of Congress accountable for allowing this war to continue and put them on record for the American people to see.” Rep. Balint joins the efforts of Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) members, including Representatives Ro Khanna (CA-17), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), John Garamendi (CA-08), and Chuy Garcia (IL-04), who are working in coordination to force votes in Congress on bringing the war in Iran to an end. War Powers Resolutions are privileged in the House of Representatives, meaning that this resolution will get a vote on the House floor in the coming weeks. Congresswoman Balint has been vocal in her opposition to the war since its beginning. Most recently, she slammed Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought in a Budget Committee hearing for the President’s request of $350 billion to continue funding the Iran war – the same cost of extending the Affordable Care Act tax credits for another ten years. In the two months since the beginning of the war, gas prices in Vermont have inc… | 1 | 2026-05-01T06:06:26Z | 2026-05-01T06:08:22Z |
| https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=697 | Balint Leads CPC Task Force Hearing on Taxing Corporate Greed, Calls for Fairer Tax Code | 2026-04-24 | 2026 | 2026-04 | Democrat | House | VT | Becca Balint | B001318 | balint.house.gov | balint | https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Becca Balint (VT-AL), Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) Ending Corporate Greed Task Force, convened a shadow hearing this week on “Visions of an Affordable Life: Taxing Corporate Greed,” bringing together lawmakers and policy experts to examine how the current tax code fuels corporate profiteering and deepening inequality, and to outline potential solutions to ensure the ultra-wealthy pay their fair share. At the hearing, Members and witnesses underscored how rising costs for working families are being driven by a tax system that rewards corporations and billionaires while leaving everyday Americans behind. “As a former history teacher, I often mention that we are in a second Gilded Age. And we have a responsibility to do things differently because it doesn't end well. The tax code is at the center of this problem,” said Rep. Balint. “If we're serious about making life more affordable and more manageable, which I am and which everyone here today is, then we have to make sure that taxes are a way to even the playing field for Americans.” “I think it is on us as Democrats, on our side of the aisle, to say no we understand this has been a long time in coming. This is a problem that we have not tended to enough and that's how we got here,” Balint continued. “It doesn't make any sense for us to get the gavels back if we don't use that power to make this a more fair and equitable economy...you shouldn’t have to be super wealthy and well-connected to have a good life in this country." Rep. Jim McGovern (MA-02), Co-Chair of the Task Force, emphasized the role of corporate influence in shaping tax policy. “My Republican colleagues hear what we hear when we do town halls, yet we see these policies move forward that totally ignore what [the witnesses] just talked about today,” said Rep. McGovern. “My view is that is it not that they are ignorant about what the realities are, it is that they’re bought and they’re owned by corporate special interests. It’s the money in p… | 1 | 2026-04-25T05:38:36Z | 2026-04-25T05:40:21Z |
| https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=674 | Rep. Balint Statement on Trump Firing Pam Bondi as Attorney General | 2026-04-02 | 2026 | 2026-04 | Democrat | House | VT | Becca Balint | B001318 | balint.house.gov | balint | https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL), Vice Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, today released the following statement after reporting that President Trump has removed Pam Bondi from her position as Attorney General: “Pam Bondi drove the Justice Department into the ground and should have been removed long ago. Under her leadership, corruption and incompetence reigned. Bondi did not pursue justice on behalf of all Americans, she worked to cover up the misdeeds of the President and his ultra wealthy friends. She led political purges of career prosecutors, let white collar criminals off the hook, forced out those who would not agree to go along with pay-to-play schemes, and failed the Epstein survivors. Being fired, however, is not a ‘fix all.’ Congress still has a responsibility to hold her accountable for her wrongdoing, and I will continue pushing for that oversight. “I also have serious concerns about the path forward for the Department and have doubts about whether Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche or rumored successor Lee Zeldin will change the course of the Department. I will be watching closely. “The public made their voices heard on both Kristi Noem and Pam Bondi and it made a real difference. We need to keep showing up, keep demanding better, and keep holding those in power accountable, including other cabinet officials.” ### | 1 | 2026-04-03T05:34:17Z | 2026-04-06T21:06:43Z |
| https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=673 | Balint and Wyden Introduce Bill to Strengthen Protections for Journalists Against Unreasonable Government Searches | 2026-03-29 | 2026 | 2026-03 | Democrat | House | VT | Becca Balint | B001318 | balint.house.gov | balint | https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) and U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., introduced a bill on Friday to strengthen privacy protections against unreasonable government searches and seizures that could chill reporting critical of the government. The bill follows Donald Trump’s Department of Justice (DOJ) raiding the home of a Washington Post reporter. “This is the most corrupt administration in history, and we only know that because journalists have been doing the tireless work of delivering truth and transparency to the American people,” Balint said. “A free press serves an essential role in our democracy, which is why it is protected by our Constitution. We need to close the loopholes that have allowed administrations to strong-arm and intimidate journalists, and I am proud to work with Senator Wyden to do just that.” “My father was a journalist who escaped Nazi Germany. He taught me you can’t have a functioning democracy without a free press,” Wyden said. “Our bill sends a clear message that government agents have no business seizing the notes and electronic devices of reporters who are just doing their jobs. Congress must once again step up to protect journalists against attempts to intimidate reporters and chill sources who could blow the whistle on government wrongdoing.” Under the Privacy Protection Act of 1980, the government cannot search or seize journalists’ documentary or work-product materials, except in certain narrow circumstances. Congress passed that law out of concern about the chilling effect of government raids on the press, and required the government to use less intrusive methods. Unfortunately, the law contains numerous loopholes that have been exploited across presidential administrations. The government never needs to prove an exception to the law before obtaining a search warrant, or even mention that the law exists. Even if a judge finds that a search or seizure is illegal under the Privacy Protection Act, the government can still use those illegally obtained materials in court… | 1 | 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z | 2026-04-06T21:05:58Z |
| https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=669 | Sanders, Welch, Balint Statement on Recent ICE Raids in South Burlington | 2026-03-12 | 2026 | 2026-03 | Democrat | House | VT | Becca Balint | B001318 | balint.house.gov | balint | https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | BURLINGTON, VT – The Vermont Congressional Delegation, U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and U.S. Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL), today released the following statement regarding the recent ICE raids in South Burlington: “President Trump’s domestic army, ICE, came into Vermont yesterday from out of state and, as is virtually always the case, acted in an irresponsible, reckless and unprofessional manner. “What happened yesterday in South Burlington was outrageous and avoidable. Rather than notifying local and state law enforcement of a planned arrest, ICE created a crisis that resulted in them using flashbang grenades and tear gas against protestors. To make matters worse, they failed to arrest the person they were initially pursuing and instead arrested at least three individuals who were not named on the warrant. “As a result of the reckless actions of ICE, local and state police were put in an impossibly difficult situation. “At a time when our country is deeply divided, this is not the way a federal agency should be conducting itself. It is long past time for Congress to take action to rein in ICE’s lawlessness.” ### | 1 | 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z | 2026-04-06T21:05:58Z |
| https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=666 | Reps. Balint, Takano, Pocan Join Sens. Schiff, Smith to Reintroduce Bill to Expand Access to Lifesaving HIV Prevention Medications | 2026-03-05 | 2026 | 2026-03 | Democrat | House | VT | Becca Balint | B001318 | balint.house.gov | balint | https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL) joined Senators Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), and Representatives Mark Takano (CA-39) and Mark Pocan (WI-02) to reintroduce the PrEP Access and Coverage Act, legislation to expand the availability of lifesaving HIV prevention medications and care. The bill would ensure HIV prevention drugs, as well as screenings, diagnostic procedures, administrative fees, and clinical follow-ups are covered by health insurance without out-of-pocket costs for patients. It would also establish community public health campaigns and improve access to medications for uninsured Americans. The introduction of this bill comes as the Trump administration has initiated sweeping cuts to CDC grants that support HIV prevention programs and several states have limited funding for those receiving federally funded HIV treatment. “Every Vermonter deserves affordable, stigma-free access to lifesaving HIV prevention and treatment,” said Rep. Balint, Co-Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus. “As the Trump administration drives up health care costs and slashes funding for PrEP and HIV prevention, I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing legislation to protect access to HIV medication and recommit to ending the HIV epidemic once and for all.” “HIV prevention drugs and care should be accessible and affordable to every American to keep our communities safe and help people live healthy lives. Under Donald Trump, health care is becoming increasingly expensive and unattainable as this administration makes devastating and politically motivated funding cuts to programs intended to mitigate the spread of HIV. This bill is essential to filling the gap with necessary HIV treatments to ensure people don’t go without life-saving medication, and I’m proud to join my Senate and House colleagues in introducing it,” said Senator Schiff. “Everyone deserves access to affordable and effective accessible health care,” said Senator Smith. “Minnesotans and folks across the co… | 1 | 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z | 2026-04-06T21:05:58Z |
| https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=667 | Rep. Balint Votes for War Powers Resolution to Rein in Trump’s Military Actions in Iran | 2026-03-05 | 2026 | 2026-03 | Democrat | House | VT | Becca Balint | B001318 | balint.house.gov | balint | https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL) today released the following statement after voting for the War Powers Resolution that would rein in the President’s use of military force in Iran (H. Con. Res. 38) and to re-affirm Iran remains the largest state sponsor of terrorism (H. Res. 1099): “The Iranian people have suffered under a brutal and oppressive authoritarian regime for decades. Iran is the primary state sponsor of several terrorist organizations, including Hamas and Hezbollah. Condemning Iran as a state sponsor of terrorism does not authorize the President to start an illegal war. “Two things can be true at once: the regime in Iran should be condemned, and there continues to be no good case being made to Congress that there was an imminent threat to us or our interests that warranted troops being put in harm's way. Congress makes the decision on if we should go to war, not the President. That is why I also voted for today's War Powers Resolution, which would require the Trump administration to get congressional approval to continue their military actions in Iran. “It seems Republicans are desperate to abdicate their authority and grasp at straws that excuse the administration’s dangerous, illegal attack that has already resulted in the tragic loss of six service members. They have failed to learn from history and are continuing to repeat their deeply unpopular playbook of cutting taxes for the rich and starting wars in the Middle East. Americans do not want to be dragged into another endless war in the Middle East, and I will continue to do everything in my power to hold this administration accountable to the People and to the Constitution.” ### | 1 | 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z | 2026-04-06T21:05:58Z |
| https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=665 | Rep. Balint Statement on Trump's Unauthorized Attack on Iran | 2026-02-28 | 2026 | 2026-02 | Democrat | House | VT | Becca Balint | B001318 | balint.house.gov | balint | https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | BRATTLEBORO, VT – Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL) today released the following statement after it was announced that President Trump had launched an unauthorized attack against Iran overnight: “President Trump has launched another dangerous, illegal attack on Iran without authorization from Congress. We have no reason to believe America was at any imminent risk - especially after President Trump claimed to have ‘obliterated’ Iran’s nuclear program in June. It’s true that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei leads a brutal and oppressive regime, and I support the Iranian people bravely protesting to bring change. But this attack is not a plan for peace. It has put our troops in harm's way, thrown the entire region into conflict, and violates our Constitution and Congressional authority. “Speaker Johnson must immediately reconvene the House so we can pass a War Powers Resolution to rein in this unauthorized use of our military and taxpayer dollars. “We have no kings in America. We are a democracy in which the people get to decide the course of our nation. We must stand with the American people who have told us they do not want any costly wars or regime change. They want us focused here at home on providing healthcare, bringing down the cost of groceries, and building more homes. We as members of Congress must listen to what Americans have told us and vote accordingly.” ### Related News Rep. Balint Statement on Trump Firing Pam Bondi as Attorney General April 2, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases Balint and Wyden Introduce Bill to Strengthen Protections for Journalists Against Unreasonable Government Searches March 29, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases Rep. Balint Issues Statement After Viewing Unredacted Epstein Files February 10, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases Rep. Becca Balint's Statement on ICE Detention of Vermont Pastor and Nursing Assistant February 4, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases | 1 | 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z | 2026-04-06T21:03:58Z |
| https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=663 | Rep. Balint to Speak at the “People’s State of the Union” and stand with Americans Impacted by Trump Instead of President’s Address | 2026-02-24 | 2026 | 2026-02 | Democrat | House | VT | Becca Balint | B001318 | balint.house.gov | balint | https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL) today announced that she will join Democratic colleagues, community leaders, and Americans directly impacted by the Trump Administration’s policies at the People’s State of the Union on the National Mall, rather than attend President Trump’s State of the Union address. Hosted by MoveOn, the People’s State of the Union will feature members of Congress alongside constituents and storytellers speaking about the real-world impacts of the Trump administration’s decisions — including health care cuts, rising costs, attacks on Constitutional rights and ICE’s violent immigration enforcement actions. “The State of the Union is meant to be a serious reflection of our nation’s progress, our shortfalls, and the path forward,” said Rep. Balint. “Instead of sitting through what has become President Trump’s annual self-congratulation, misinformation, and division speech, I look forward to a night of standing with colleagues, organizers, advocates, and everyday Americans who are committed to doing the real and honest work of protecting our rights, strengthening our communities, and holding those in power accountable.” Rep. Balint will be joined by Mohsen Mahdawi, a Vermont constituent, student leader, and advocate for Palestinian human rights whose life has been directly affected by Trump’s attack on Americans’ First Amendment rights. “Vermont and the United States have become home to me not only by residence, but through the love, safety and solidarity I have experienced in this community,” said Mr. Mahdawi. “That is why being imprisoned on the very day I sought citizenship was not only devastating but also a profound betrayal of the principles on which this country was founded. I remain steadfast in my commitment to this country’s ideals, my recognition of the power of our voices, and my belief in the principles of democracy. Palestinians and Americans are fighting the same fight, a fight for dignity and rights without conditions. When we stand together across movements… | 1 | 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z | 2026-04-06T21:03:58Z |
| https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=660 | Following DOJ Antitrust Shakeup, Balint, Warren, Lawmakers Raise Questions About Corruption Surrounding DOJ Approval of Massive Housing Merger | 2026-02-20 | 2026 | 2026-02 | Democrat | House | VT | Becca Balint | B001318 | balint.house.gov | balint | https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL) and Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) led colleagues in pressing Attorney General Pam Bondi on whether there was corruption and political favoritism at the Department of Justice (DOJ) involving the agency’s questionable review of the massive merger between real estate giants Compass and Anywhere Real Estate. The lawmakers’ push follows the ouster of top DOJ antitrust official Gail Slater last week, raising questions about whether political interference is causing DOJ to stymie critical antitrust reviews of massive mergers that threaten to raise costs for consumers. “This decision raises questions about corruption under your watch and its impact on housing affordability for American families. Allowing this merger will make it easier for these firms to exert greater control over the real estate market, limit consumer access and choice, and ultimately exacerbate the housing crisis that has put homeownership out of reach for millions of Americans,” wrote the lawmakers. The letter was also signed by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), and Representatives Yassamin Ansari (D-Ariz.), Greg Casar (D-Texas), Madeleine Dean (D-Pa.), Maxine Dexter (D-Ore.), Jesús “Chuy” García (D-Ill.), Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), Hank Johnson (D-Ga.), Robin Kelly (D-Ill.), Seth Moulton (D-Mass.), Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-N.J.). Real estate brokerage behemoths Compass and Anywhere announced a $1.6 billion merger in September of last year, subject to DOJ review. In a surprise move last month, Compass announced that it had completed its acquisition of Anywhere far ahead of schedule. The merger combines two of the nation’s largest residential real-estate brokerages, creating the largest agent network in the country — and raising antitrust and competition concerns. With a housing crisis already flattening American families under Donald Trump,… | 1 | 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z | 2026-04-06T21:03:58Z |
| https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=662 | Rep. Becca Balint Statement on Supreme Court Ruling Blocking Trump Tariff Regime | 2026-02-20 | 2026 | 2026-02 | Democrat | House | VT | Becca Balint | B001318 | balint.house.gov | balint | https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL) released the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that President Trump does not have the authority to impose broad tariffs under the emergency act he has cited: “Today's ruling was a major victory in defending Congress's power of the purse and reining in a President who has abused his power. As Vermonters, our tourism industry, small businesses, and border communities are deeply connected with our Canadian neighbors, and the impact of these tariffs has been severe. The chaos and instability - and the administration's harmful rhetoric - have hurt our small businesses, raised costs for working people, and caused our nation reputational harm." “Targeted, strategic tariffs can strengthen American industries or bring good jobs home, but President Trump’s tariff regime was neither strategic nor predictable. Our families and businesses deserve smart, steady economic leadership, not economic whiplash." ### | 1 | 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z | 2026-04-06T21:03:58Z |
| https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=658 | Rep. Balint Issues Statement After Viewing Unredacted Epstein Files | 2026-02-10 | 2026 | 2026-02 | Democrat | House | VT | Becca Balint | B001318 | balint.house.gov | balint | https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL), Vice Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, today released the following statement after reviewing unredacted Epstein files at the Department of Justice: “What I saw in the Epstein files over the last two days was sickening and enraging. It is absolutely clear that we have a two-tiered system of justice in this country. One for the rich and powerful where the law is optional, and one for the rest of us. The sheer number of people involved — and the layers of cover-up that allowed this international criminal conspiracy to rape girls — is staggering. But more than anything, I am heartsick for the survivors, who have endlessly asked for compassion and justice, and instead been met with a political circus. They will continue to be front and center in my heart and mind as I question Attorney General Bondi tomorrow during her testimony before the House Judiciary Committee.” Attorney General Bondi will testify before the House Judiciary Committee tomorrow at 10:00 AM. The livestream can be viewed here. ### | 1 | 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z | 2026-04-06T21:03:58Z |
| https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=657 | Balint, Padilla and Watson Coleman Aim to Bolster Mental Health Care Workforce Through New School Programs | 2026-02-05 | 2026 | 2026-02 | Democrat | House | VT | Becca Balint | B001318 | balint.house.gov | balint | https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Representatives Becca Balint (VT-AL) and Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) joined U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), co-founder of the bipartisan Senate Mental Health Caucus, to introduce the Mental Health Career Promotion Act to bolster the behavioral and mental health care workforce pipeline by providing students with educational opportunities to learn about and pursue careers in the field. The bill would create the Behavioral and Mental Health Career Promotion Grant Program, administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), to provide funding to schools to establish mental health career promotion programs for high school and community college students. Millions of students across the country struggle with their mental health, with two in five reporting persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness in the last 30 days, andone in five reporting that they have seriously considered attempting suicide in 2023. Despite the severity of these challenges, many students go untreated because they do not know where to seek help and there are not enough trained mental health professionals available to meet the growing demand. “Right now, we are in the middle of a mental health crisis without enough professional support to meet the need,” said Representative Balint. “That shortage shows up every day in our schools, our families, and our communities. This bill aims to address that by creating clear pathways into mental health careers for high school and community college students, connecting them early with mentorship, training, and hands-on experience with local providers. The goal is a stronger, more sustainable mental health workforce that can meet people where they are and deliver care when it’s needed most.” “Far too many people struggling with their mental health are left to suffer in silence because of our nation’s severe shortage of qualified providers,” said Senator Padilla. “As this crisis grows — especially among teens — we must meet students where… | 1 | 2026-04-02T05:33:17Z | 2026-04-06T21:03:58Z |
| https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=655 | Rep. Becca Balint's Statement on ICE Detention of Vermont Pastor and Nursing Assistant | 2026-02-04 | 2026 | 2026-02 | Democrat | House | VT | Becca Balint | B001318 | balint.house.gov | balint | https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Vermont Congressional Delegation, U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and U.S. Representative Becca Balint (VT-At-Large), today released the following statement: “We are horrified to learn of the detention of Vermont pastor and nursing assistant Steven Tendo by ICE outside of his workplace today — just days ahead of a regular check-in with immigration authorities. Pastor Tendo fled persecution and torture in Uganda and has lived peacefully in Vermont for many years as a valued member of our community. People like Pastor Tendo are exactly who our asylum system is meant to protect. We join together with many Vermonters in calling on the Trump administration to ensure Pastor Tendo is allowed to return to Vermont and that he is immediately afforded full due process, including the right to contact his attorney while his appeal is considered.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T21:03:58Z |
| https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=654 | Rep. Balint Votes Against Funding for DHS Amid Rising ICE Violence Across the Country | 2026-02-03 | 2026 | 2026-02 | Democrat | House | VT | Becca Balint | B001318 | balint.house.gov | balint | https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL), Vice Ranking Member on the House Judiciary Committee, today released the following statement after voting against the Continuing Resolution that would fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for another two weeks: "DHS needs to be reined in now. I refuse to give them another dime while Secretary Noem allows masked federal agents to terrorize our streets without accountability. They are killing Americans, using preschoolers as bait, and trampling on all of our constitutional rights. Accountability and change must come first, not money." Rep. Balint remains committed to conducting oversight and holding ICE accountable. She has traveled to do on the ground oversight in Chicago during ‘Operation Midway Blitz’ in October and in Minnesota this month after the killing of Renee Good. She has also signed onto articles of impeachment against Kristi Noem. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T21:03:58Z |
| https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=653 | Rep. Balint Reintroduces Bicameral ‘EMS ROCS’ Act to Support EMS Providers in Rural Communities Bill Aligns Medicare Payments for EMS Providers with Community Needs, Ensures EMS Can Provide Essential Medical Care to Rural Communities | 2026-01-29 | 2026 | 2026-01 | Democrat | House | VT | Becca Balint | B001318 | balint.house.gov | balint | https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | BURLINGTON, VT – U.S. Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL), and U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) today reintroduced the Emergency Medical Services Reimbursement for On-scene Care and Support (EMS ROCS) Act, bicameral legislation that would require the government to pay for vital EMS services provided to individuals on Medicare. Currently, Medicare does not reimburse EMS providers unless the patient is transported to a hospital. However, EMS providers regularly deliver vital services on-scene when responding to 911 calls. In rural communities, the demand for EMS services for medical emergencies continues to increase—especially for Medicare beneficiaries, who make up about 40% of patients treated by EMS. “For rural Americans, our EMS providers are often heroes that deliver lifesaving care on scene when hospitals are far away and minutes matter,” said Rep. Balint. “They should be paid for that work regardless of whether it’s provided at home or in the ambulance. The EMS ROCS Act is a crucial step towards fixing the 'no payment' loophole and preserving access to care for rural Vermonters.” “Vermont’s EMS providers deliver essential medical services in rural communities, and they deserve to be reimbursed for that work. That’s why it only makes sense that our government should pay for vital EMS services, regardless of whether someone needs an ambulance ride to the hospital,” said Senator Welch. “We need commonsense solutions modernize Medicare to ensure that EMS are paid for their lifesaving work—our bill does just that.” “Simply put, EMS are the first responders to some of people’s most difficult moments, and often are the difference between life and death,” said Senator Sanders. “We must do everything we can to ensure they receive the support and resources they need and deserve, and that includes reimbursement for all the care they provide. Rural communities in Vermont and across the country depend on their essential services and this bill is a right step forward in helping EMS agencies… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T21:01:44Z |
| https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=651 | Rep. Balint Welcomes Decision to Stop Vermont USCIS Reassignments to Minnesota | 2026-01-26 | 2026 | 2026-01 | Democrat | House | VT | Becca Balint | B001318 | balint.house.gov | balint | https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | BRATTLEBORO, VT — Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL) today welcomed the news that Vermont-based USCIS employees will no longer be sent to Minnesota to conduct immigration enforcement, after raising concerns about the change in mission: “Given the aggressive ICE operations underway in Minnesota which have already led to deadly force and widespread fear, I raised serious concerns about sending Vermont USCIS employees into roles far outside their mission and training. I’m relieved those reassignments are no longer moving forward, and that these public servants can remain focused on helping people navigate the immigration system safely and lawfully.” Rep. Balint’s statement regarding the original reports of Vermont USCIC employees being deployed to Minnesota can be viewed here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T21:01:44Z |
| https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=647 | Reps. Balint and Jayapal Push Meta and Google to End ICE Ad Partnerships Using White Nationalist Propaganda | 2026-01-22 | 2026 | 2026-01 | Democrat | House | VT | Becca Balint | B001318 | balint.house.gov | balint | https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Becca Balint (VT-AL), Vice Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee and Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement, have sent letters demanding answers from Meta and Google after reports that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is using their platforms to run immigration enforcement recruitment for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) using “self-deportation” and other advertisements that rely on white nationalist imagery and rhetoric. In letters sent yesterday, the lawmakers warn that these advertising campaigns are part of an effort to massively expand ICE recruitment, including to surge ICE officers to cities like Minneapolis, Chicago, Portland, and New Orleans. To meet these recruitment targets, ICE has lowered hiring standards and turned to paid digital ads across major platforms. The letter to Meta cites reporting that DHS has spent millions of dollars on paid ads with their platforms, including ads clearly connected to white nationalist themes, using images and slogans historically used by neo-Nazi groups. In one recent example, “DHS posted a recruitment ad on Instagram proclaiming ‘we’ll have our home again’, which is a song popularized in neo-Nazi spaces and used in white nationalist calls for a race war.” The letter to Google also calls out a reported $3 million in ICE advertisements on Google and YouTube that promoted ‘self-deportation,’ a strategy being used by the Trump administration to intimidate immigrants into leaving the country. In total, ICE placed $5.8 million in ads with Meta and Google last year. Reps. Balint and Jayapal underscored the real-world consequences of expanded and insufficiently vetted immigration enforcement, citing deaths, warrantless arrests, mass raids, and a record number of deaths in ICE custody. “The impact of an unqualified army of ICE agents being unleashed across the country has been severe,” the lawmakers said. The lawmakers are demanding … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T21:01:44Z |
| https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=648 | Rep. Becca Balint’s Statement Following Former Special Counsel Jack Smith’s Public Testimony Before the Judiciary Committee | 2026-01-22 | 2026 | 2026-01 | Democrat | House | VT | Becca Balint | B001318 | balint.house.gov | balint | https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL), Vice Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement after former Special Counsel Jack Smith testified publicly before the Committee, detailing his investigations into President Donald Trump’s criminal attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 election: “Today’s testimony confirmed that President Trump was the principal architect of the January 6th insurrection. Mr. Smith laid bare the pattern of threats, intimidation, and retaliation he and his team have faced from Trump and his loyalists for simply following the facts and the law. The President has repeatedly attacked him by name, fired career prosecutors and FBI agents who worked on the investigation, and made clear that retribution—not justice—is the goal. “This is the same dangerous playbook that led to January 6: undermine the truth, target those who enforce the law, and incite others while avoiding giving direct orders. No President is above the law, and the American people should be outraged that the independence of our justice system is being dismantled in plain sight.” While Special Counsel Smith was able to provide information about most of his work, there is information about the classified records investigation subject to a gag order from Trump appointed Judge Aileen Cannon. House Judiciary Democrats have requested a follow-up hearing to hear more from Special Counsel Smith when the gag order is lifted on his full work into the classified documents aspects of the case. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T21:01:44Z |
| https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=649 | Rep. Becca Balint’s Statement Following Former Special Counsel Jack Smith’s Public Testimony Before the Judiciary Committee | 2026-01-22 | 2026 | 2026-01 | Democrat | House | VT | Becca Balint | B001318 | balint.house.gov | balint | https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | “Today’s testimony confirmed that President Trump was the principal architect of the January 6th insurrection. Mr. Smith laid bare the pattern of threats, intimidation, and retaliation he and his team have faced from Trump and his loyalists for simply following the facts and the law. The President has repeatedly attacked him by name, fired career prosecutors and FBI agents who worked on the investigation, and made clear that retribution—not justice—is the goal. “This is the same dangerous playbook that led to January 6: undermine the truth, target those who enforce the law, and incite others while avoiding giving direct orders. No President is above the law, and the American people should be outraged that the independence of our justice system is being dismantled in plain sight.” While Special Counsel Smith was able to provide information about most of his work, there is information about the classified records investigation subject to a gag order from Trump appointed Judge Aileen Cannon. House Judiciary Democrats have requested a follow-up hearing to hear more from Special Counsel Smith when the gag order is lifted on his full work into the classified documents aspects of the case. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T21:01:44Z |
| https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=642 | Rep. Balint Raises Alarm Over Reports of Vermont USCIS Employees Sent to Minnesota Amid ICE Enforcement Operations | 2026-01-17 | 2026 | 2026-01 | Democrat | House | VT | Becca Balint | B001318 | balint.house.gov | balint | https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | “At a time when aggressive ICE operations in Minnesota have already led to deadly force and widespread fear in our communities, I am outraged to hear that Vermont USCIS employees are being sent to Minneapolis to play ICE enforcement roles that fall far outside of their mission or their training. These are highly skilled public servants who came to this work to help people navigate the immigration system fairly and lawfully, not to do dangerous door-to-door enforcement. DHS must explain why this is happening and ensure Vermont public servants are not being put in harm’s way or being compelled to carry out work they did not sign up for.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T21:01:44Z |
| https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=650 | Rep. Becca Balint Says "Hell No" on ICE Funding | 2026-01-15 | 2026 | 2026-01 | Democrat | House | VT | Becca Balint | B001318 | balint.house.gov | balint | https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Today, Rep. Becca Balint released the following statement after arriving in Minnesota to conduct oversight regarding ICE's killing of Renee Nicole Good: “I am a hell no on any more funding for ICE. Right now, I am in Minnesota demanding answers and accountability for the deadly force used by ICE agents, including the brutal killing of Renee Nicole Good last week and the ongoing influx of ICE agents that has shaken their community. Americans deserve true justice and accountability, and we must reject these terrorizing tactics that have no place in our communities.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T21:01:44Z |
| https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=641 | Rep. Becca Balint Backs Impeachment of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem | 2026-01-14 | 2026 | 2026-01 | Democrat | House | VT | Becca Balint | B001318 | balint.house.gov | balint | https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | “Kristi Noem has proven to be an unqualified leader in charge of what has become a rogue army of ICE agents. Americans have been stunned by the cruelty and callousness of agents under her leadership, and she has been unaccountable to members of Congress who have rightly demanded answers on behalf of our constituents. Over the past year, Secretary Noem has endangered our communities, disregarded due process, and undermined the legal immigration system. Now, with her botched handling of the Renee Nicole Good shooting investigation, she has further eroded public trust by lying to Americans and telling us that we can’t believe our own eyes. “Good was a 37-year-old U.S. citizen and mother of three, and it’s clear she was not a domestic terrorist. Renee, her family, and her community deserve full accountability, and justice must be served. That includes holding Secretary Noem accountable for her role in creating and condoning an environment in which unchecked force and disregard for our constitutional rights have become routine. Secretary Noem should be impeached and held responsible for her actions.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T21:01:44Z |
| https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=640 | Rep. Becca Balint’s Statement on Passage of ACA Premium Tax Credits Extension | 2026-01-13 | 2026 | 2026-01 | Democrat | House | VT | Becca Balint | B001318 | balint.house.gov | balint | https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL) released the following statement following passage of Democrats’ three-year extension of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits: “During what has been a really hard week for Americans, I am grateful to share the good news that we were able to secure House passage of a three-year extension of the ACA premium tax credits – a crucial step forward in our work to address soaring health care costs. In the end, several Republican members joined us, Speaker Johnson’s work to keep this from getting to the floor failed, and the collective voice of the American people prevailed. “Now, we need the Senate to do its part to get this across the finish line so we can focus on finding long-term solutions for our expensive, broken health care system. I encourage all Vermonters to keep the pressure on, share your stories, and make your voices heard.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T21:01:44Z |
| https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=637 | Rep. Becca Balint’s Statement on Trump’s Unilateral Military Action in Venezuela | 2026-01-03 | 2026 | 2026-01 | Democrat | House | VT | Becca Balint | B001318 | balint.house.gov | balint | https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | “Nicolás Maduro is a brutal, illegitimate dictator, and Venezuelans have suffered greatly under his regime. That does not diminish the fact that President Trump has zero authority to use military force to remove the leader of another sovereign country. This unilateral military action was reckless, illegal and taken without any congressional briefing, approval or oversight. It brings us further down the dangerous path of abandoning our democratic principles, consolidating power, and destroying our Constitution. “Americans do not want another war, another regime change, or another occupation of a foreign nation. We have made these horrible mistakes before, and American soldiers and their families have paid the price. Democrats in Congress need Republicans to stand with us to protect and defend the Constitution and congressional power. We are the elected officials closest to the people. We have a sacred duty to represent our people, to protect their rights, and to speak out and push back against any administration that violates the law.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T21:01:44Z |
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